UAE Public Holidays 2026: Complete List of Predicted Days Off

Curious about the public holiday dates in the UAE for 2026? You’ve come to the right place. Every year, the UAE government establishes the official days off, giving residents and visitors clarity on when to plan work, travel, and leisure activities.

In 2026, the UAE is expected to observe a minimum of 12 public holidays, with a mix of Islamic and Gregorian calendar-based holidays. Highlights include a three-day Eid Al Fitr break and a six-day long weekend in May for Eid Al Adha and Arafat Day. These holidays allow both locals and expatriates to enjoy quality time with family, participate in cultural and religious celebrations, or simply relax

Understanding UAE Public Holidays

The UAE celebrates a combination of holidays that follow either the Islamic Hijri calendar or the Gregorian calendar. The Hijri calendar is lunar, meaning it relies on cycles of the moon, unlike the solar-based Gregorian calendar.

Because of this, holidays such as Eid Al Fitr and Eid Al Adha are not confirmed until a few days before they occur, depending on official moon sightings. Astronomers, however, can often predict approximate dates well in advance, giving residents and businesses an idea of when these important holidays are likely to fall.

The UAE public holiday law, updated in 2025, also allows for adjustments. If a holiday falls on a weekend, authorities may move it to the nearest weekday to ensure a long weekend. Additionally, local governments can occasionally introduce extra public holidays if deemed necessary.

Predicted UAE Public Holiday Dates in 2026

Here is the full list of predicted public holidays in the UAE for 2026, based on current estimates:

• New Year’s Day: Thursday, January 1
• Eid Al Fitr: Thursday, March 19 – Sunday, March 22 (three-day long weekend)
• Arafat Day: Tuesday, May 26
• Eid Al Adha: Wednesday, May 27 – Friday, May 29 (combined with weekend for a six-day break)
• Islamic New Year: Monday, June 15 (official day to fall on Tuesday, June 16; moved to start of the week for a long weekend)
• The Prophet Muhammad’s Birthday (PBUH): Monday, August 24 (official day to fall on Tuesday, August 25; moved to start of the week for a long weekend)
• National Day: Wednesday, December 2 and Thursday, December 3

These dates cover both public and private sectors, helping employees plan ahead for time off, while also allowing businesses to schedule operations efficiently.

Special Considerations

Some holidays may be adjusted depending on the day of the week they fall on. For example, if an Islamic holiday occurs midweek, it could be moved to the start or end of the week to create a long weekend, providing residents with more continuous time off.

It’s also important to note that no holidays in 2026 are expected to overlap, which simplifies planning. Public holidays tied to the Gregorian calendar, like New Year’s Day and National Day, will not coincide with Islamic holidays such as Eid Al Fitr or Eid Al Adha.

For residents and businesses, understanding these patterns helps in planning vacations, family gatherings, and cultural activities. It also ensures smooth operations for companies in the private sector who need to manage staffing and service schedules.

Why Eid Al Fitr and Eid Al Adha Are Significant

• Eid Al Fitr marks the end of Ramadan, the Islamic month of fasting. It is a time for spiritual reflection, community prayers, family gatherings, and festive meals. In 2026, Eid Al Fitr is predicted to begin on Thursday, March 19, giving residents a three-day weekend through Sunday, March 22.
• Eid Al Adha, one of the most significant Islamic holidays, commemorates the willingness of Prophet Ibrahim (Abraham) to sacrifice his son in obedience to God. Paired with Arafat Day, Eid Al Adha in 2026 is expected to create a six-day long weekend from May 26 to May 31 when the weekend is included.

These holidays are deeply ingrained in the UAE’s cultural and religious traditions, giving both locals and expatriates an opportunity to experience the country’s rich heritage and communal celebrations.

Planning Ahead for UAE Public Holidays

Residents and visitors can use this predicted calendar to plan travel, leisure, and family activities:

• Travel: Avoid peak congestion during Eid holidays and plan vacations around long weekends.
• Dining and Leisure: Many restaurants, hotels, and entertainment venues offer special events, iftar experiences, and holiday promotions during public holidays.
• Work Planning: Companies can align staffing and operations with holidays to maintain productivity while giving employees proper time off.

Staying updated is essential, particularly for holidays based on the Islamic calendar, as official dates can shift slightly following moon sightings. Checking announcements from the UAE government or relevant authorities ensures accurate planning.

Key Takeaways

1. The UAE is expected to have at least 12 public holidays in 2026, combining Islamic and Gregorian calendar holidays.
2. Eid Al Fitr offers a three-day weekend from March 19–22, while Eid Al Adha and Arafat Day create a six-day long weekend in May.
3. Islamic holidays are predicted but official confirmation comes from moon sightings a few days before the start.
4. Holidays that fall midweek may be moved to create a long weekend, while weekends do not overlap with major Islamic holidays in 2026.
5. Planning ahead allows residents to make the most of leisure time, travel, and cultural experiences throughout the year.

With this calendar in hand, everyone in the UAE can plan work, travel, and family time effectively, making 2026 a year of productivity, celebration, and meaningful holidays.

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